Classic Alfajores de Dulce de Leche
Indulge in a taste of Argentina with these delightful Alfajores, a beloved traditional treat made from two melt-in-your-mouth cookies sandwiched together with rich, creamy dulce de leche. These cookies are a perfect blend of cornstarch and flour, yielding a tender texture that simply melts in your mouth. Ideal for sharing with friends or family, they are perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet snack, dessert, or coffee accompaniment. Make your own dulce de leche or find a high-quality jar from your favorite Latin market to enhance the flavor. Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in Argentine culture!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup
egg
1 (large)
egg yolks
2 (from large eggs)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
lemon rind
2 teaspoons (grated)
cornstarch
1 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
dulce de leche
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about one minute until smooth.
3
Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it is fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the egg and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and grated lemon rind.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
6
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even sandwiching.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring each cookie to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and gently sandwich it with another cookie. Dust the finished alfajores with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Alfajores?
Classic Alfajores are traditional Argentine sandwich cookies made from two tender cookies joined with a dulce de leche filling.
What gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture?
The high ratio of cornstarch to flour creates a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cookies.
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
What kind of filling is used for Alfajores?
These cookies are filled with a rich, creamy dulce de leche, either homemade or store-bought.
Do I need to cream the butter and sugar?
Yes, you should cream the softened butter for about a minute, then gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The recipe calls for one whole large egg and two additional egg yolks for extra richness.
Should the ingredients be sifted?
Yes, it is recommended to sift the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure a smooth dough.
What flavorings are added to the dough?
The dough is flavored with vanilla extract and two teaspoons of grated lemon rind.
How do I form the cookie shapes?
Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to drop the dough onto a prepared baking sheet, aiming for uniform sizes.
Should I cool the cookies before filling them?
Yes, the cookies must be completely cool on a wire rack before you spread the dulce de leche to prevent melting.
Can I add a topping to the finished cookies?
Dusting the finished alfajores with powdered sugar is a common and delicious way to finish them.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch to achieve the traditional texture.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the dry ingredients to balance the sweetness.
What is the calorie count for an alfajor?
Each cookie contains approximately 80 calories according to the nutritional data.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Can I find dulce de leche at the store?
Yes, high-quality dulce de leche can be found at most Latin markets or in the international aisle of many grocery stores.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving has about 4 grams of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in these cookies?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Spread a generous amount of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie and gently press a second cookie on top.
What should the texture of the dough be?
The dough should be soft and well-combined after the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
What is the cultural origin of Alfajores?
They are a deeply beloved part of Argentine culture and Latin American dessert traditions.
How much sugar is in the dough recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar in the cookie dough.
How should I prepare the cookie sheets?
You should grease them or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How much lemon rind should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of grated lemon rind for a bright citrus note.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, either a hand mixer or a stand mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar effectively.
How much dulce de leche is needed for filling?
You will need approximately 1 cup of dulce de leche to fill the batch of cookies.